Remote control for radio receiving



Feb. 14, 1939. E. L.. BARRE-n". R- 21,000

` REMOTE CONTROL FOR RADO RECEIVING SETS Original Filed April 30! 1953 5Sheets-Sheet 1 LrE-b .C'l

Feb. 14, 1939. E. L. BARRETT Re. 21,000

REMOTE CONTROL FOR RADIO RECEIVING SETS Original Filed April C50, 1930 5Sheets-Shee't 2 Feb. l 14, 1939..

E. L. BARRETT Re. 21,000

REMOTE CONTROL FOR RADIO RECEIVI-NG- SETS 5 Sheets-Shoot 3 OriginalFiled April 3D. 1930 Feb. 14,` 1939. f E. l.. BARRETT l R- 21,000

REMOTE con'rnoi. Foa RADIO RECEIVING s'r's Original Filed April 3D. 19305 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 14, 1939.- E. BARRETT Re."21,00

'REMOTE connor. FOR RADIO RCEIVING sETs Original Filed April 30. 11.9305 Sheets-Shes; 5

Remind Feb. 14,1939 l ,l i l' Re. 21,000

UNITED STATES `,Pli'rEN'r oFFlcl-v Edward L. Barrett, La. Grange, Ill.,assigner to Utah Radio Products Co., Chiclo. Ill., a corporation ofIllinois Original No. 2,046,910, dated July 7, 19316, Serial No.448,456, April 30, 1930. Application for reissue December 13, 1937,Serial No. 179,520

8 Claims. (Cl. Z50-20) The invention relates generally to controls forFigure 1 is a longitudinal central section taken radio receiving sets,and has as its aim the provion the lines I-I of Fig. 2 oi a deviceembodying sion oi a device characterized by its adaptabilitythelinvention, showing said device incorporated -in providing completecontrol of a radio receivwith a diagrammtilly illustrated Part 0f a ingsetr from points remote from said set. radio receiving set. I5

An object of the invention is to provide a new Fig.' 2 is a centralsection taken substantially and improved device of this character bywhich on the lines 2--2 oi Fig. 1 looking, in the directhe operation ofa'radio receiving set may be tion oi the arrows, at the driving assemblyof made entirelyjresponsive, in each of its different the device.

aspects, to a control or selector element posi- Fig. 3 is aY fragmentarycentral section taken l0 tioned at a point remote from the set. 0D thelines 3-3 0f Fia- 1 100M-US in tht ODPOSiie Another object of theinvention is to provide a direction. BS indicated by the allOWS. at thenew and improved remote control device emmeanS fOr predetermininthB'POSitlOu'O radii bodying a control mechanism which is responsive,reception. I through the entire tuning range of the set, to Fig. 4 is afragmentary, section of a detailoi i5 a manually manipulated selectorelement located the device taken on the lines I-I oi F12- 1- at aremote, point. Fig. 5 is a side elevation Volf an element form- Afurther object .of the invention resides in the ing a part oi thecircuit connections. A provision of a novel control device in which anyFig. 6 is a front elevation on a diminished scale one of a number ofpredetermined positions oi of the remotely positioned selector element.20 receptive adjustment of the .set may be indi- Fig. v'7 is a centralsection thereof taken on the vidually and selectively designated, andembodylines 1--1 of Fig. 6. -ing means for tuning the set in accordancewith Fig. 8 is'a face view oi the selector switch as the designationselected. seen from the line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Still another object is to provide a novel con- Fig. 9 is a wiring.diagram illustrating the va- 25 trol device in which a plurality ofelements are rOUs control circuits. l adjustable to designate a numberoi predeter- Fig. 10,15 a fragmentary wiring div-8mm 0I a .minedpositions oi.' radio reception to any one mOdied CODI'OI Oirvuitof whichthe set is automatically adjusted upon In .the broad aspect. the presentcontrol dethe designation of `such position at a' remote vice embodies adriving meansior changing ergo point, said device includingv means for'optionally Y adjusting the position of the movable tuning ele--adjustng the set to any point not designated by ment of a radioreceiving Set by which the Set one of said elements. Y is adjusted fromone to another oi its receiving Anotheriobject ofthe invention residesin the positions. 'rms vdriving means 1S shown 1n 'the provision of newand improved meansv for tuning particular illustrative embodiment oi theinven- 35 'the seteither at the set or at a point remote tion describedherein as including `an induction therefrom.'v r -f 1 f- I f motor,although other typesoi motors capable Still another'object is to providea means ior of rotation in either direction may, 0f 12011119. remotely'controlling' the volume 'oi' the radio rebe utilized if desired; thismOiJDI being ,Started ceivlng set. f and controlled in the extent anddirection of its o A further object is presented by the provisionmovement of the tuning element by means which ot a novel means forselecting, from a remote includes a plurality of electric circuits.Balli point, a particular position towhich the set is to circuits arearranged to be selectively established he adjusted, and subsequentlystopping the adfrom a point remote from the receiving set, and

justing movement'precisely at that position'. when energizedautomatically control the move- 45 In connection with the foregoingobjects, the ment of the tuning element until said element inventioncontemplates a. simple, compact arhas reached a predetermined position0f adjustrangement of parts movable throughits various ment. Each 0fSaid lilluits includes readily operative phases by a reversibleinduction motor, adjustable element which determines the point which isinterposed in the-circuit to the set, all of `receiving adjustment towhich the element is 50 of said parts being readily accessible andadjustmoved when that particular circuit, is energized. able ascircumstances may require. Other circuits, controllable from the remoteOther objects and advantages wll become appoint, permit independentadjustment of the y' parent in the following description and irom thetuning-part to other points than those designated u accompanyingdrawings in which: by the automatic control circuits. f

Cil

The remote control device includes mechanism for adjusting the volume ofthe receiving set from a remote point and the entire remote control partof thedevice may, at the option of the operator,be disconnected topermit of unhindered and independent operation of the set in the usualmanner.

The driving mechanism In considering the present device in connectionthe purpose of description, be termed the adjusting or tuning" elementof av radio receiving set since rotation of the shaft in one directionor the otheroperates inthe well-known manner to adjust the set throughits various stages of reception. v

The adjusting mechanism for the radio receiving set in the presentembodiment is in the form of a unitary, self-contained structure whichmay lining an open front` face, which is closed by av at front Wall 24detachably secured to the side wall by screws 25. The front wall may, ifdesired,

constitute a section of the front panel of the receiving set. Where thisis the case, it is preferred to cover the wall by an ornamentalescutcheon The means for rotating the shaft 2| is mounted permanently inthe casingv and is shown herein as comprising a.` reversible inductionor alternating current motor constructed in accordance with thedescription and disclosure of the motor shown in my copendingapplication Serial No. 344,125, filed March 5, 1929, and issued asPatent No. 1,77D,905. In mounting the motor, the rear wall 22 of thecasing near one side thereof is provided with a cup-shaped, outwardlyextending motor housing 26 integrally fastened thereto. The housing isof such size that the stator element 21 of the motor fits snugly thereinadjacent the open face. Stop lugs 28 onthe housing may be employedaccurately to determine the relative positions of the parts.

A bearing shaft 29 is rigidly and non-rotatably secured to the end wallof the housing and exltends inwardly thereof on the axis of the statorelement. The length of the shaft 29 is determined by the distancebetween the end wall of the housing and the front wall 24 of the casingso that when the casing parts are assembled, the free end of the shaft29 extends into an aperture 30 in the front walll and is flush with theouter face ofthe front wall. The bearingsshaft 23 supports the rotorelement 3| yof the motor, which Velement preferably has an axial sleeve32 rigid speed gearv train is provided. Certain of the members of saidtrain; however, are adapted to perform additional functions v-ofoperation as will hereinafter become apparent. Spaced apart from andparalleling the bearing shaft 29 is a shaft 35 rotatably journalled inthe front and rear casing walls 24, 22 respectively. The shaft 35 ex-Vtends both forwardly and rearwardly beyond said walls and is provided,between theends thereof, with a pair of spaced outwardly facingshoulders l3b arranged to bear vagainst the inner surfaces of the frontand rear walls to confine the shaft against axial movement. Thepreferred disposition of the parts relative to the receiving set is suchthat the shaft 35 constitutes an axial continuation of the condensershaft 2l with the adjacent ends of the shafts in substantial abut-4ment. Suitable means, indicated diagrammatically at `3l, drivinglyconnect the shafts 2l and 35. The forwardly extending end of the shaft35 carries an indicating means, such as the pointer 38, by which theposition of adjustment of the set is shown.

Internally of the casing and adjacent the rear wall 22, the shaft 35 isprovided with a/radiallyextending rigid boss 39 (Figs. 1 and 2) to whicha gear 40 of substantial diameter is secured. as by means of screws 4I.The gear 4U meshes with a gear 42 mounted on a shaft 43 journalled inthe front and rear casing walls. In addition to its rotatable movement,the shaft 43 is capable of limited axial movement, the extent of whichmovement is, in the present instance, determined by a hair-pin spring 44arranged to engage either one` of two annular grooves k45 in the shaft43. .5

The width of the gear 42 is ample to permit such axial movement withoutbecoming disengaged from the gear 40. A hand piece 46, or the like,mounted on the front end of the .shaft 43 facilitates ,manual actuationof said shaft either rotatively or axially.

The shaft 43 carries a second gear 41 which `meshes with a pinion 48rotatably supported by indicated as the outer one), the gear and pinionare engaged but when the shaft is moved axially to lits other or innerposition, the gear moves out 1 of engagement with the pinion. A-gear 50is connected in spaced relation to the pinion 48 as by an interposedwasher 5i, and the gear 50 in turn meshes with a pinion 52. The pinion52 rotates about the rotor supporting shaft 29 as an axis and isdrivingly connected to the rotor element 3i of the motor by anintermediate clutch mechanism 53. l In devices of this character, it isimportant that the driven adjusting movement .of the receiving set becapable of being positively controlled. That is to say, the mosteiilcient operation of the deviceoccurs when movement of the drivenparts ceases the. instant that the energizing circuit to the motor isdisconnected. The clutch mechanism 53 performs this function.

Referring to Fig. 4, the clutch mechanism comprises a cylindricalmember'54 fixed rigidly on the bearing sleeve 32 adjacent the rotorelement 3|. The exposed end of the member 54 has an annular counterbore55 of substantial size formed axially therein. The sideA wall of thecounterbore flares outwardly from the inner end thereof and is linedwith aV sheet of friction mateial 56 of a suitable character such asleather. l

The: complement of the clutch mechanism is in the form of a thick disk51 preferably-formed of aluminum or other light weight material mountedon an axially extending, hub-like portion 58 of the pinion 52. The outersurface of the disk is tapered to form the complement of the aringcounterbore wall so thatthe disk may tit into the counterbore andfrictionally engage the lining B.

The clutch disk is recessed as at 59 to receive the end of the sleeve 32which extends into the counterbore and the outer end of the bearingshaft 29 has an outwardly facing shoulder 60 which, coacting with thefront wall 24 of the casing, prevents axial movement of the clutch disk51 and pinion 52. Resilient means, such as one or more leaf springs Bi,are interposed between the disk 51 and the cylindrical member 54normally to hold the parts in disengaged relation, as shown in Fig. 1.

Engagement of the clutch mechanism is autolmatically produced when anenergizing circuit to the motor is established. To this end, the rotorelement 3l is olf-set laterally ofthe radial plane of the stator element21 (see Fig. 1). Im-

Imediately upon energization oi' the magnetic poles of the statorelement, the magnetic field induced thereby exerts a powerful force onthe rotor element to move it into the radial plane of the statorelement. This force readily overcomes the resistance of the resilientmeans 6I to effect engagementof the complementary parts of the clutchmechanism, as shown in Fig. 4. Conversely, as soon as the motor circuitis broken, the unopposed tension of the spring moves the rotor elementIl and clutch member I4 axially to disengage the'clutch.

The driving connection between the motor and the set adjusting. shaft2|, therefore, comprises the shaft 35 connected to the shaft 2l, thegear -and pinion train 40, 42, 41, 48, 50, 52 and the Since theresistance oi'-4 clutch mechanism 53. fered by the moving parts is ampleto overcome the inertia of the moving lightweight clutch disk,

the driven parts stop the instant the clutch members are disengaged. Inother words, the friction in the gear train is utilized to stop thesired immediately upon deenergization of the motor, and the simultaneousautomatic disengagement of the clutch prevents overrunning of the tuningelement as the motor coasts to a stop. The driving connection furtherpermits manual adjustment of the set by simply moving the iinger-piece46 and shaft 4l to carry the gear 41 out of engagement with the pinion4I. Manual rotation of the shaft 43 adjusts the shaft 2| through theintermediate gears 42, 40 and shaft be adjusted manually withoutdisconnecting the gear 41 from the pinion 4B. 'I'he provision of spacedstop lugs 22'* (Fig. 2) on the rear wall of the casing which areengageable by a stop lug 40- on the gear 40 to confine the rotation ofthe gear 40 .between the range limits of the condensers, is desirable.

The automatic control means .The control means by which the operation ofthe motor is initiated, the extent and direction of movement of theshaft 2| by the motor is controlled, and by which the motor isdisconnected when the receiving set has been adjusted to a selectedposition, will now be described. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, thegear 40 carries two sacco tuning element in the exact tuning positionde- 35. It will be obvious, however, that the set may similarsemi-circular plates or conductor segments 62, i3 so mounted that theycomprise sibstantially a complete ring concentric with respect l tothegear axis.

l The conductor segments are formed of a cur'- rent conducting materialand are supported in rigid and equally spaced relation to the gear by aplurality of insulating studs and washers I4. The meeting ends of thesegments G2, 6l are spaced apart a short distance to provide air gapstherebetween. Preferably, one of said gaps is closed by an insulatingseparator t5, the exposed 'face of which is ilush with the surfaces ofthe completed through one or 'the other of the conductor segments B2 or63. To this end, the circuits include a plurality of elements contactingthe segments at spaced intervals along the periphery thereof. Y

With reference to Figs. 1 andv 3, a preferred means for establishingeach circuit through the conductor segments utilizes the front wall 24of the'casing as a support for the contact elements. To this end anarcuate slot B1 is provided in the front wall, which slot is formedsubstantially on the radius of the conductor -segments with the axis ofsaid segments as a center. The slot extends through slightly less than180 and preferably registers with theupper half of the ring formed bythe conductor segments.

'I'he front wall 24 carries the contact elements, generally designated.68, adjustably disposed at spaced intervals between the ends of the slotB1. Nine of the contact elements are shown herein andsince they are ofsimilar constructionv the description of one will apply to all. Eachelement comprises a small block of insulating material (Fig. l) havingat one end thereof a projecting rib 10 arranged to litl snugly yetslidably in the groove 81. A screw1l extends through the block and rib,beyond the outer face of the front wall, and is engaged by an insulatednut 12 to clamp the block rigidly to the wall.

The opposite end of the block (see Fig. 3) is grooved to receive one legof a U shaped contact finger 1I` formed of acurrent conducting material.If desired, the screw 1| may be employed to hold the finger in place.Preferably, the nger is .formed of a somewhat resilient material and thefree leg thereof is shaped to provide an outwardly extending nib 14 ofless width than the width of the separator 66 which closes one of thegaps between the conductor segments. The contact nib engages `the faceof the adiacent conductor segment near the outer edge thereof when theparts are assembled.

In consequence of the arrangement. a plu. rality of separate, spacedcontacts are provided which engage one or the other of the conductorsegments 62, 6l depending upon the position of adjustment vof the tuningelement. It will be evident that the contact elementsA E8 may be mountedupon a separate support if desired but the present arrangementisfpreferred sinceit permits the parts to be entirelyV exposed by ablysecured 'to the side wall.

contact elements are spaced apart circumfer entially of the slot adistance less than 180. The purpose of this spacing, as Well as of thedouble contact elements, will become hereinafter apparent.

Separate lead wires, designated successively Il to 32 (Figs. 3 and 9)vare connected respectively to the contact fingers 13 which willhereinafter be separately designated by the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G,H, I. The lead wires preferably extend to an insulating distributorpanel 95 mounted in a relatively central position on the front wall.rAdjacent -the distributor panel, the lead wires are gathered together ina cable ll which passes from the control device through an insulatedaperture 91 in the side wall 23 of the housing.

The remote selector element and control circuits The elector element 38,by which the control circuits are established from a remote point, maybe seen in Figs. 8, '7 and 8. element comprises a relatively smallelongated casing of a size which permits the element to be easily heldin an operators hand during usev and which may be placed in any part ofa room without appearing particularly noticeable.y The casing issectional to permit access to the interior thereof and comprises a frontwall 99, side walls In!) and a back wall IDI which is detach- Anescutcheon plate |02 having operating indicia thereon 'may be mountedupon the front wall of the casing.

Within the casing, at one endfthereof is a tubular boss |83 rigidlysecured to and insulated from the' front wall of the casing. The innerend of the boss supports a panel IM of insulating material, which panelis provided at regularly spaced intervals with a series of contactpoints |03. The contact points are arranged radially about the axis ofthe tubular boss ID3 as a center, for selective engagement by a wiperarm |03 rigid with a shaft |01 which is rotatably mounted in the bore ofthe tubular boss |03. A hand piece ill, carried by the outer end of theshaft lill facilitates rotation of said shaft, and indicating means,such as the pointer |03, designates the position of the wiper arm |08relative to the contact points. f

The cable 93 extends tothe selector element and the lead wires thereinare individually connected to one of the contact points |03. Preferably,as shown in Fig. 8, the contact points to which the lead wires areconnected correspond in position to the respective contact elements inthe control device.

It is contemplated that, on occasion, it ma;`

4 be desirable to disconnect the control device from the remote selectorelement 3B. To facilitate` such disconnection a jack Ill of a well knowntype may be interposed in the cableA adjacent the receiving set, whichJack has. separable plugconnectionsill foreach of the lead wires. Acentral. angularly formed guide plug Generally, this m prevents assemblyof me jack 1n any einer than one position. Several of these jacks m alsobe permanently located at different points" remote from the set so thatthe selector element may be connected to the cable V96 at any of saidThe circuits for controlling the adjustment of the receiving set to apredetermined point of reception will now be described. Referring to thewiring diagram shown in Fig. 9, a lead H0. which is common to the twoenergizing windings 33, 3l of the motor, is connected to a'source [i2 ofelectrical energy. This source of energy may be the same source as thatwhich supplies power to the receiving set but it is preferred to.

interpose a transformer II3 between the source and the motor windings todecrease the voltage for operating the motor. Hence the lead Ill) isconnected to one side of the secondary coil of the transformer which, ifdesired, may embody a static shield IM of any well known character. Alead wire i i5 connects the other side ofjthe secondary coil of thetransformerV tc the wiper arm IDB in the remote selectorrelement.

Of the double contact elements 11, 18 the inner contact fingers 8|, 8I-are respectively connected by the lead wires B3, 93 to themotor'windings 33, 34. As has ,been mentioned, each of the lead wires 8lto QZ-inclusive connect one of the contact ngers, A to I inclusive, witha correspondingly positioned contactrpoint |05 on the selector switch.Selective movement, therefore, of the wiper arm N6 into engagement withone of the contact points IUE establishes a circuit to drive the motor.This circuit is completed through one orthe other of the motorenergizing coils 33, 34 depending uponthe position of the conductorsegments 62, 63 with respect to the particular circuit established.

The control device also includes a circuit which designates of oiposition of the receiving set. To this end the contact 4finger 80 isconnected by a lead wire VH8 to a contact point (herein indicated at|20) Preferably the sequential arrangement of the circuits ismaintained. In calibrating the device for the off position the con-vdenser shaft isv moved to place the condensers at .one extreme limitofmovement thereof. At this position of the shaft 2| the relation of thecontact lingers 80, 8| to the conductor segments 62, 63 must be suchthat the contact fingers engage the insulating separator 66 and areinsulated thereby from either ofthe conductor segments.

As a specific example of the operation of the device, it is consideredthat the conductor segments are in the position shown in the `wiringdiagram (Fig. 9). An operator wishing to adjust the set to a particularposition moves the wiper arm |06 into contact with one of the'contactpoints IBS (for instance the one to which the lead wire 38 isconnected), The particular circuit established thereby comprises thelead wire H5', wiper arm |06, lead wire 83, contact finger E,

conductor segment 62, contact finger 8|, lead wire 93, motor winding 34and lead wire lill.

The motor winding 34 is the one which, upon energization thereof, drivesthe motor in a direction which will produce a clockwise movement of thecondenser shaft 2|. 4

Since the condenser segments also move with the shaft 2|, the drivenmovement of the shaft continues until the separator B6 engages thecontact finger E of the established circuit. This breaks the circuit andimmediately stops further driven movement of the shaft 2i through theslot 61, a predetermined position oi adjustment may be selected by iirsttuning the set for the reception of a particular transmitting stationand then moving the contact element to such a position that thecontact-finger thereon is in engagement with the separator at thatposition v of adjustment.

In practice the arrangement is such that the pointer 38 indicates theposition of the separator so that an unskilled person may easily locatethe contact iingers relative to the separator by positioning said ngersat the point indicated by the pointer.

Il the operator Wishes to discontinue further operation of the receivingset, the wiper arm |06 is moved to establish contact with the oi contactpoint |20. Inasmuch as the conductor segments are in the position shownin Fig. 2 the motor circuit established comprises the lead wire ||5,wiper arm |06, contact point |20, lead wire H9, ContactA iinger 80,conductor segment 63, contact finger 8|,A lead wire 83, motor winding33, and the .lead wire I|0.

wise direction until the oiI position (Fig. 9) is reached whereupon thecircuit is broken by the engagement of the contact lingers 80, 8| withthe separator 66.

Since, as has been mentioned, the opposite double contact 18, is spacedless than 180 from the contact 11, the iingers 80, 3| always engage theupper conductor segment 62 when the device is in the on position.Uponestablishlng any of the circuits, therefore, the movement of thedevice is alwaysaway from the off position toward the contact element ofthe established circuit.

The operationv of the device in moving the l condenser shaft to otherpositions of adjustment one position of ladjustment and a different poisthe same as has been described for the one position exceptthat thecircuits are established through the dierent contact points by the wiperarm |06. This is true even when the set is in sition is desired. Thecircuit which controls the direction of movement from the old to the newposition is automatically determined depending upon which conductorsegment 62 or B3 is engaged by the contact ringer of the newly energizedcircuit. Y

It will be evident from the foregoing that any one 'of a seriesof-predetermined positions of adjustment may be selected from a remotepoint by merely moving the wiper arm to establish the indicated circuitfor that position. The predetermined adjustments may be readily made byrst ascertaining the particular transmitting stations for which thedevice is to be set' and then correspondingly adjusting one of thecontact elements. The call letters of each station may then be notedupon the escutcheonplate |02 on the remote selector element to indicatethe position of the circuit for that station.

Hence it is only necessary for anoperator to turn the hand-piece |08until the pointer |09 indicates the desired station and the controldevice automatically adjusts the receiving set accurately to receivethat station.

Independent control means l It is foreseen in the operation of thereceiving The motor therefore `moves the condenser shaft 2| in acounterclockset from a remote point that the operator may wish to adjustthe set to some other position than one of the indicated automaticallyselected positions. Thus, the control device may be set to receive aseries of local stations and the operator may wish to adjust the set toreceive a local or distant station, the position of adjustment oi' whichis intermediate any of' the designated' to provide a laterally extendingportion |2| which in this instance underlies the central portion of thefront wall of said selector element. A pair of transversely spacedcontact points |22, |23 are mounted on said portion which are arranged.toH

be optionally engaged respectively by normally spaced switch arms |24,|25 formed oi a resilient material.

Suitable means for manually depressing the contact arms |24, 26 intoengagement with the underlying contact points` comprise headed pins |24,|25- extending slidably through the front wall 99 of the selectorelement and bearing against the respective contact fingers.

Intermediate the contact points |05 on the panel |04, are secondarycontact points |05Ik which are similar to the points |05. 'I'hesesecondary points form a part of the circuit of the independent controlmeans and are electrically connected together and to the switch arms,|24, |25. This connection may be accomplished by an annular member |26of current conducting is connected by a. lead wire |21 to the wire H9leading to the contact finger 80. The other switch arm |25 is connectedby a leadwire l|2|| to the contact linger In considering the operationof the independent control means, it is presumed, as an example, thatthe receiving set has been adjusted to' the position E. The operator,now wishing to adjust the set to some point of i'eception other thanthose designated bythe automatic control circuits, moves the hand piece|08 to establish contact of the wiper arm v|06 with any of the secondarycontact points |05. The automatic control circuits are therebydisconnected and the receiving set may be optionally adjusted in onedirection or the other by manipulation of the pins |24?, |251. Thus, ifthe operator wishes to adjust the set in one direction, he depresses thepin |24l which establishes a motor circuit through the lead wire ll5,wiper arm |08, contact point |05", annular member |25, switch arm |24,switch `point |22, lead wires |21 and H9, contact nnger 00, conductorsegment 63, contact finger 0|, lead wire 83. motor winding 33, and leadwire H0.

Similarly, if the' set is to be adjusted in the opposite direction,depression ofthe pin |25* establishes a like motor circuit except that`the -current ows now through the lead wire |28,

|24* or |20l or by engagement of the separator with the contact tlngerson one or the other foi' the double contacts 11, 10.` When the automaticcontrol is to be resumed, the wiper arm |00 f cated between any two `oithe predetermined polliV ' sitions of automatic selection.'

In this construction, the contact points |00 on the panel |04 areseparated from each other and from the on control point by secondarycontrol points |00* interposed therebetween. All oi' the points areregularly spaced apart on the same circumference. 'lhe shaft |01, byvwhich the wiper arm |00 is moved, has a bar |00 of insulatingmaterlalxed rigidly thereto for rotary movement therewith. lThe bar |00 .extendssubstantially perpendicularly to either side oi.' the wiper arm |00 andeach laterally extending portion has a' iinger |0|, |02 mounted thereon.'I'he ngers |0|, |02 extend substantially parallel to the wiper arm |00and are so spaced relative `thereto that the fingers respectively .en-

age the next adjacent contact point on either de of the point engaged bythe wiper. arm.

Intermediate the annular series oi' contact points |05, |05* and theaxis of the wiper-arm `shaft |01 are two annular conductor rings |00,|04 mounted on the face of the panel |04 and arranged concentricallywith respect to said axis.` Contact nibs'l05, |00 on the lingers |0|,|02 engage the conductor rings |00, |04 respectively. The ngers thusconstitute sliding contacts, movv able with the lwiper arml |00, forconnecting the conductor rings |00, |04 respectively with the contactpoints next adjacent the point engaged by the wiper arm. VThearrangement of the control circuits for the automatically controlledstations remains unchanged in this modincation. With respect to theindependent control, however, the yswitch arms |24, |20 are connecteddirectly to the source of current by a lead wire |01 connected to thelead wire H0. The switch point |22 is connected by a lead wire |00 totheannular rin! |00 and the other switch point |20 is connected u to theannular ring |04 by a wire |00.

In theoperation of this modification movementv of the wiper arm |00 toestablish one or another of the automatic selection circuits efi'ects anadjustment of the receiving set to the position designated by thatcircuit in the normal manner. Depressione! either of the pins |24, |20while the control element is soset has no "effect since the slidingcontacts |0|,-|02 are in engagement with unconnected, secondary contact'u points. The operator, now ,wishing to eiiect an adjustment of the setto any position intermediate the positions designated by two adjacentautomatic control circuits. moves the wiper arm into' engagement withthea secondary contact 7 point located between said two stations.' Thisengages the two ,sliding contact arms |0|, |02 respectively with thecontact points |00 which designate said. two stations. Gonsequently de'-pression oef either at the pins |24", |20* estabu lishes a circuit whichinveileet prcduces\the oi' the receiving set to the condenser rangelosame, operative movement as if the automatic control circuit had beenestablished for the corresponding station.

As an example, it is considered that the wiper arm |00 is in engagementwith the secondary contact point'i05'L positioned intermediate thecontact points |00 to which the lead, wires 01 and 00 for the contactlingers D and E are connected. Said contact points |05 are inL turnrespectively engaged by the sliding contacts |0I, |02. Depression ofthepin |20n establishes a motor circuit through leads ||5 and |01, switcharm |20 and point |23, lead |00, annular ring |04, sliding contact |32.lead 08, conductor segment 02, lead 90, motor winding 04 and lead|l0'whicl1 drives the condenser and conductor segments clockwise. Suchmovement continues, until the pin |25* is released to disconnect thecircuit or until the separator 00 breaks the circuit by moving beneaththe contact nger E.

Movement oi' the condenser shaft in opposite 1,

direction Vis similarly produced by the depression of the pin |24, withthe exception that the circuit established thereby proceeds through thelead |00, annular ring |30, sliding contact |0| a number oipredetermined o'r preselected positions and is further adapted to permitremotely controlled adjustment of the set to any other desired positionof reception.

Optional control means Means is provided inthe present embodiment forrendering the remote control circuits inoperative when the shaft 40,1sin the position for adjusting the receiving set manually. A preferredmeans 4for this purpose comprises, a normally closed switch |40-in the'form of a pair of elongated resilient contact elements. One of theelements is longer than the other and the elements are supported byinsulating brackets |4| from the rear wall 22 ot the control casing. Theposition oi' said members is such that the end of the longer elementextends into the path of the axiallymovable shaft 40. A head |42 on saidwardly or to its remote control position,V theV switch |40 is'closed andthe remote control becomes operative to adjust the receiving set inaccordance with the selector position then designated by the remoteselector element.

Remote volume control Embodied in the present device is means,forcontrolling the ,volume oi' the receiving `s`et from the remote selectorelement. This" means is shown as being adaptedfor a .receiving set inwhich the volume control is eilected by means of a variable resistance.in swell known manner.-

It should be understood, however, that by this disclosure it is notintendedzto limit the invention to s remote volume of this a Apart ofthe receiving set circuit designated S,`

for volume control at the set. The remote selector element hasasimilarvariable resistance unit generally designated |46 (Fig. '1)mounted in the end oi' the casing opposite the panel |04.

,The unit- |48 includes a resistor element |49 and wiper |50 which isactuated in the usual manner by a hand` piece |5I. Y

The variable resistance units |41 and |46 are connected in parallel withthe proper circuit of the receiving set, the arrangement preferablybeing such that one or the other unit controls the volume of the set asdetermined by the arrangement of the set for manual or remote control. Asatisfactory arrangement comprises a wire |52 connecting both wipers|46, |50 to the proper circuit S of the set. Lead wires |53 and |54,lrespectively connect the resistor' elements |45 and |46 to switchelements |55, |56. A switch element |51 selectively engageable witheither of said elements |55, |56 is connected by a wire |56 to the setcircuit.

Referring to Fig.y l, the switch elements |55, |56 and |51 are shown asbeing supported by the brackets |4| which carry the remote controldisconnecting switch |40. The selective switch element |51 is interposedbetween the other elements |55, |56 and is elongated so'that a head |56*on the end is engageable by the head |42 on the switch |40. Normally,the switch element 51 contacts the element |56 to establish a volumecontrol circuit through the remote variable resistance unit |46.Movement of the shaft'43, however, breaks this circuit and effects acontact of the element |51 with element |55 to establish a volumecontrol circuit through the variable resistance unit |41 at thereceiving set. It will be seen, therefore that the volume of thereceiving set is controlled either at the set or from a remote point,and that the proper circuit is automatically determined by the positionof the shaft 43.

A simple means is 'provided' in connection with the device forcontrolling the flow of current to the tubes of the receiving setcircuit S. This means comprises a switch |56 mounted adjacent a movingpart, which switch is open only when the receiving set is in its offposition of adjustment.

In this instance, normally contacting switch elements |60, |6| (Fig. 1)yof different lengths -are mounted on an insulating base |62 secured to astationary part of one of the condensers 20. The condenser shaft 2|carries a pin |63 arranged to engage the longer of the elements andbreak the contact therebetween as the shaft moves into the o position.The switch is interposed in one of the leads |64 which connects thepower pack P of the receiving set circuit S to the source of power ||2.Consequently, the set is disconnected from the source ofy current whenin its off" position, but power becomes instantly available upon anoperating movement thereof.

The simplicity-of operation of a radio receiving set by the remotecontrol device may best be seen from a general rsum of the operation.When the set is rst placed in operation, a series comprising the mostimportant transmitting stations is selected and one of the contactelements 66 is definitely located with reference to the position of theseparator 66 at the position of receiving f adjustment for each station.Once this is done,

the elements need no further attention unless the d '7 series ofstations is altered or the transmitting wave length of any station ischanged.

The set is now in condition for operation, it

being presumed that the shaft 43 is in its normal position for operationof the set by the remote control. The operator turns the hand piece |06to indicate any one of the stations which he has previously selected andlogged on the remote selector element .and the motor drives thecondensers to the position indicated by the established circuit.Subsequent movement of the hand piece to another position adjusts theset to receive that particular station or, if the oiT position ischosen, to shut-olf the set. Y l

In the operator wishes to turn the set to receive any otherthan one ofthe predetermined series of stations, the hand-piece |06 is moved to.indicate contact of the wiper arm |06 with one of the secondary contacts|05. Tuning of the set is now possible by manipulation of the pins |24or |258. During the remote control of the set by either the automatic orthe independent means, the volume of the set may be varied as desired byrotation of the hand-piece |5|.

When the operator wishes to adjust the set at the set, it is onlynecessary to move the shaftl 43 by the hand-piece 46, which movementdisengages the driving connection between the motor and the condensershaft, disconnects the motor and the remote volume control circuits andestablishes the circuit oi' the volume control at the set. The receivingset may then be tuned in the usual manner.

While a preferred embodiment of the device has been illustrated anddescribed, it is contemplated that various changes, alterations ormodifications may be made, particularly with respect to breaking thecontrol circuits at a preselected point to the driving connections andto the volume control,

without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims. Y

I'claim as my invention:

1. In a device for adjusting the tuning-element of a radio receivingset, the combination of a reversible induction motor including a field.a rotor. and a control circuit, means for supporting said rotor in anormal position which is laterally offset with respect to said field,said means being fashioned to permit of axial movement of said rotorinto substantial alinement with said iield by the force exerted whensaid field is energized, means for returning said rotor to said normalposition immediately upon deenergization of said field. drivingconnections between said rotor and said tuning element including aclutch engageable when said rotor moves into alinement with 'said fieldand instantly disengageable as said rotor moves to its normalposition.

2. In a remote control device for tuning a radio receiving systemAhaving an adjustable tuning element, the combination of a motordrivingly connected to said element and operable to move said tuningelement in opposite directions,'a series of motor circuits, a selectorswitch for establishing one of said circuits to initiate movement ofsaid motor, an automatic switch for automatically determining thedirection and extent of movement of said tuning element, auxiliary motorcircuits arranged to be established by said selector switch and manuallyactuated switches for starting or stopping the operation of said motorin one direction or the other from an automatically selected position ofsaid tuning element.

3. In a device for adjusting the tuning element of a radio receivingset, the combination of a motor including a controlling circuittherefor, means for drlvingly connecting said motor to said tuningelement. means movable to disengagenthe driving connection, two volumecontrol means for said set including a circuit for each means, and asingle means operable by the movement of said disengagement effectingmeans to interrupt the motor circuit and one or the vother of saidvolume control; circuits.

4. In a radio receiving set tuning mechanism, a motor driven device foradjusting the position of a movable tuning element of -a radio receivingt set to desired tuning positions with a high degree of precision,comprising, in combinationfa driving connection for said radio tuningelement; means including a reversible electric motor operativelyconnected to said driving connection for moving said tuning elementthrough selected increments of its path oi movement to correspondingtuning positions, said motor embodying two relatively rotatable membersand an exciting circuit therefor; means supporting said motor membersfor limited relative axial movement; means for yieldably urging at leastone of said members to a normal idle position axially odset with respectto the other and fashioned to permit relative axial movement of said onemember from said normal position into substantial alinement with theother in response to the magnetic attraction between said members uponenergization of said exciting circuit; means operable to deenergize saidmotor exciting circuit when said tuning element reaches a selectedtuning position; and means for insuring .instant stoppage oi' saidtuning element at the selected tuning position without overrunningstator. a rotor,` and an exciting circuit; means including a manuallyoperable switch for connecting said exciting circuit to a source ofelectric current for rotation o1' said motor in one direction or theother; means supporting said rotor for limited axial movement; meansincluding a disengageable clutch for connecting said reversible motorand said radio timing element indriving relation, said clutch includingarst rotatable clutch member fast on one end of said rotor, and movablebodily therewith and a second rotatable clutch member engageable withsaid iirst clutch member and iixed against axial movement with respectthereto; and meansyieldably urging said rotor to a. normal idle positionaxially oiset with respect to said stator in which position said'iirstclutch member is disposed out oir engagement with said second clutchmember, said yieldable means permiting movement of said rotor axiallyinto substantial alinement with said' stator in response to the magneticattraction therebetween upon energizatlon of said exciting circuit inwhich alined position said clutch members are operatvely engaged.

6. In a mechanism of the' character set forth for adjusting thepositionof a movable tuning element of a lradio receiving `set to desired tuningpositions, the combination of a reversible elecvammo tric driving motorincluding a stator, a rotor and an exciting circuit; `means including amanually operable switch for connecting said exciting circuit to asource of electric current to edect rotation of said rotor in onedirection or the other; means including a fixed shaft and a sleeveslidably mounted thereon for supporting said vrotor for limited endwisemovement with respect to .said stator, said sleeve extending axiallythrough said rotor and being ilxed thereto; means including adisengageable clutch for operatively oo nnecting said motor and radiotuning element in driving relation, said clutch including a iirst clutchmember fast on said sleeve and movable bodily therewith and a secondcooperating clutch member loosely journalled on said shaft andengageable with said first clutch memberonly when said rotor is insubstantial alinement with said stator; and means yieldably urging saidrotor to a normal idle position axially oii'set with respect to saidstator in which position said clutch members are dsengaged,saidyieldable means permitting movement of said rotor axially intosubstantial alinement with saidl stator by the magnetic attractiontherebetween upon energization of said exciting circuit, in which alinedposition said clutch members are engaged.

7. In a mechanism oi the type set forth" for adiusting the position of amovable radio receiving set tuning element to various tuning positions,the combination o! a plural element speedreduction gear train operablyconnected to `said tuning element; a reversible electric driving motorfor said tuning element including a stator having an energi'zablewinding thereon, a rotor, and a supply circuit for connecting saidwinding to a source of current; means including a manually operableswitch mechanism for conditioning said circuit'for rotation of saidmotor in one direction or the other; means supporting said rotor forlimited axial movement and yieldably urging the same to a positionlaterally oiset from `said stator; means for utilizing the friction insaid gear train to stopsaid tuning element instantly upon deenergizationof said motor without overrunning as said motor coasts to a stop. saidlast named means including an engageable clutch interposed between saidmotor and said y gear 'train' and movable respectively into and out ofengaged position in response to movement oi said rotor out of and intosaid oil'set position; and manually operable means for moving saidtuning element independently ci said motorV when said clutch isdisengaged.

8. In a mechanism oi the character set forth stator in response to themagneticattraction be. tween said members upon energization of said.

winding, drive connection means including a releasable clutch actuatablefrom 'a no vreleased position to an engaged position in response toaxial movement o! said `rotor lntoalined positionfor connecting saidreversible motor in drlv.-

ing relation with said radio tuning element Vte move the same inopposite directions. a series loimotor eliiergtliingl a selector switchu for establishing a selected one of said circuits to initiatemovemento! saidmctor and thereby also eifect simultaneous automatic engagementoi' said clutch, and means including a movable automatic switch drivenby said motor and interposed in I said series of motor circuitsy forautomatically determining the direction of movement of said tuningelement and for automatically interrupt ing said selected motor circuitat the completion o! a predetermined movement of said tuning element,thereby automatically eii'ecting simultaneous disengagement of saidclutch to stop saidA tuning element without over-running as said 5 motorcoasts toa stop.

EDWARD L. BARRETT. l

